Granny (71) dies in inferno

A SILOBELA granny was burnt beyond recognition after the bedroom she was sleeping in with four minor grandchildren caught fire.

Police Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mkwende confirmed the death of Sinikiwe Nyoni (71) as a result of a fire they had left burning to keep them warm during the night.

“I can confirm the unfortunate death of 71-year-old Sinikiwe Nyoni on July 3, 2018 at around 0100 hours,” said Asst Insp Mkwende.

She said Nyoni was sleeping with her four minor grandchildren when the fire broke out.

“It is said that Nyoni and her four minor grandchildren slept in the bedroom and left the fire burning to keep them warm in the night.

“At around 0130hours, her eldest granddaughter woke up to see a huge flame in the hut,” she said.

Ass Inspector Mkwende said she then took the three other minor children out of the hut and tried to get assistance from neighbours to rescue her granny who was still in the hut.

“Unfortunately by the time she got assistance, the roof had already collapsed and they could not rescue the now deceased,” she said.

Ass Inspector Mkwende urged the public to be wary of fires especially during this winter season.

“It is an unfortunate incident that befell us. We therefore urge people to be wary of fires especially during this winter season to lessen unfortunate incidences,” she said.

Nyoni’s body was ferried to Loreto Hospital mortuary while two minors who escaped with minor burns were treated and discharged at the same hospital.